• On GameSpot: So-called 'Halo killer' gets 23 to life

Flip Video UltraHD Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
Flip Video UltraHD
Created: 04/29/2009
Video description: The Flip Video UltraHD may not be the sexiest minicamcorder out there, but it offers a respectable feature set and some of the best video we've seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.

Flip Video UltraHD Video Transcript

[ Music ]

>> David Carnoy: Hi. I'm David Carnoy, Executive Editor for CNET.com, and I'm going to give you a quick video tour of the Flip Ultra HD. On the outside, at least, not much has changed from Flip's first generation Ultra, but there are a couple of notable differences. For starters, the LCD screen is significantly bigger measuring in at two inches comparable to 1.5 inches. Buttons are also bigger, and this Ultra has sort of a rubberized matte finished that allows you to grip the device a little more easily. Most importantly, this model comes with a set of rechargeable batteries you can charge in the unit by simply connecting the cam cord to the USB port on your computer, or you can swap in a standard pair of AA alkaline batteries in a pinch. One thing we didn't like about the new design is the mirror trim on the sides of the unit. It looks good, but you'll find yourself continually wiping off the fingerprint smudges with the soft cover that ships with the product. As its name implies, this Ultra HD shots HD resolution 720p video. While it doesn't have an expansion slot for memory cards, it does have 8 gigabytes of internal memory, and that allows you to record about 8 hours of video. There's an HDMI output on the side, but alas, no HDMI cable's included so you'll have to buy one if you want to output your videos to an HD TV. It's not a huge deal, but Kodak, for instance, includes an HDMI cable with its latest HD mini camcorder. As for video quality, Ultra HD has probably some of the best video we've seen to date from one of these types of YouTube-friendly camcorders. Of course, the video can't compare to the video produced by a real HD camcorder that costs hundreds more. Now, you do have to keep the device still while shooting for best results, but it's a small step up from the video you'll get from Flip's more compact Minnow HD. It's worth noting that this model has the same chips and image sensors as the Minnow HD, but Flip has managed to refine the video processing via software to improve the picture. At the end of the day, the new Ultra HD may not be the sexiest-looking HD mini camcorder out there, but it does offer good video quality, and Flip camcorders are probably at the top of the class in terms of ease of use. We also like the whole battery set up even though it adds some weight to the camcorder. Would I get this model over the standard def Ultra, which doesn't come with rechargeable batteries and costs $50 less? Yes. Would I buy it over the Minnow HD? Probably, but if you want a really small, lightweight camcorder, the Minnow definitely wins. For now anyway. I'm David Carnoy, and that's the Flip Video Ultra HD mini camcorder. [ Music ]

Related Videos

Product Spotlight: Flip Video Ultra

Brian Tong shines the spotlight on Pure Digital's Flip Video Ultra. An excellent budget digital camcorder that will flip you out!

Motorola i9

The Motorola i9 Stature is the sexiest Nextel phone we've seen. Apart from the disappointing camera, it offers decent features and admirable photo quality.

Flip Video Ultra

The second-generation Ultra offers some modest improvements over Flip's original standard-definition model.

Flip Video Ultra

The Flip Video Ultra is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the emerging low-end digital camcorder category, with improved video quality, a slightly trimmer design, and upgraded software package.

Samsung FlipShot SCH-U900

Though it could offer better call quality, the Samsung FlipShot SCH-U900 is one of the best camera phones we've seen in a while.

Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1

The MHS-PM1 Webbie HD represents a step forward for Sony in the minicamcorder arena--but some quirks and only OK video quality prevent it from being compelling enough to best the competition.

Vulcan FlipStart E-1001S

The Vulcan FlipStart E-1001S is the most laptop-like UMPC we've seen so far. The clamshell offers welcome features including a touch pad, but it's still not the real-world, practical UMPC we've been waiting for.

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

Kodak's 1080p pocket camcorder, the Zi8, overtakes the erstwhile leader Flip with better video quality and a nicer feature set.

Nokia 6600

The Nokia 6600 isn't the sexiest or the smallest cell phone we've seen, but it packs plenty of high-end features that will please smart-phone addicts.

Flip Video MinoHD

While it has its flaws and is a bit expensive, the ultrasimple Flip Video MinoHD produces impressive video for a camcorder of its size.

Flip UltraHD (black) Review

The good: Shoots 720p HD video; high-quality video for its class; easy to use; uses rechargeable AA batteries; FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.

The bad: Somewhat pricey; no memory card slot; no cable included for HD output to HDTVs.

The bottom line: The Flip Video UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a respectable feature set and some of the best video we've seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.

Read full review

Flip UltraHD (black) Specs

Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
Part number: U2120B

Product Specifications
  • Product Specifications

  • Product Basic Spec

Read full specs